KUCHING – The epic stage production ‘Rentap – The Battle of Bukit Sadok’ enthralled His Majesty the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, and Her Majesty the Tengku Ampuan Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Al-Haj, during their visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) on Sunday.
The performance, staged as part of the Sarawak Harvest and Folklore Festival, recounted the legendary struggle of Iban warrior Rentap against the Brooke administration in the 19th century.
Rentap’s defiance has long been celebrated as a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Sarawak’s indigenous people.
The production combined dramatic storytelling, traditional music, and choreography to highlight the bravery of the Iban community in defending their homeland.
The audience, including the royal guests, was visibly moved by the performance. Tengku Ampuan Pahang was even seen recording parts of the show on her mobile phone, capturing the moment as a personal keepsake.
The theatre showcase was one of the highlights of the royal couple’s itinerary in Sarawak, ahead of their attendance at the 2025 Sarawak Regatta later in the day.
Earlier in the morning, Their Majesties arrived at SCV at around 10 a.m. and were greeted with a traditional ‘Selamat Datang’ dance, performed by cultural troupes representing Sarawak’s diverse ethnic groups.
They were then taken on a guided tour of several traditional houses, including the Bidayuh Baruk, Iban Longhouse, Penan Hut, and Orang Ulu Longhouse. Each stop featured demonstrations of cultural practices, crafts, and heritage unique to the respective communities.
A particularly memorable moment occurred at the Penan Hut, where Sultan Abdullah tried his hand at blowpipe shooting. To the delight of onlookers, he successfully burst several balloons, drawing cheers and applause from the crowd.
The royal entourage continued their tour by buggy, passing through the Melanau Tall House, Malay House, and Chinese House, while receiving explanations on the architectural styles and traditions of each community.
Following the theatre performance, Their Majesties enjoyed a “Highlander Ethnic Sarawak” themed lunch at the Budaya Restaurant.
The menu featured traditional delicacies such as Bario Rice, Sayur Paku Masak Belacan (jungle fern with shrimp paste), Abbeg Arur Layun (minced meat), and Manok Pansoh (chicken cooked in bamboo), alongside other highland specialities.
Accompanying the royal couple were Dayang Norjihan Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari, daughter of the Sarawak Premier, Deputy Minister for Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development, Datuk Mohammad Razi Sitam, Deputy Minister for Energy and Environmental Sustainability, Datuk Dr Hazland Abang Hipni, and Political Secretary to the Premier, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman, among other dignitaries.
The royal visit underscored the cultural richness of Sarawak and highlighted the enduring legacy of Rentap as a national hero. The production not only entertained but also reinforced the importance of preserving history and heritage for future generations.
